Hope Church Nashville Podcast

This week, we opened a new series exploring the biblical teaching around money, possessions, and the human heart. Many churches have avoided these topics because of how emotionally loaded and complicated they can be. But Jesus never shied away from them—in fact, he consistently talked about money as a heart-level issue rather than just a practical one. At the center of this conversation is not just what we have but who we belong to. As we begin to think deeply about our relationship to money or “mammon” as Jesus called it, we're challenged to wrestle with the real question: Who is our master?Support the show

This week, we sat with a sobering yet hopeful image from Ezekiel: a valley filled with dry, lifeless bones—scattered and without hope. And yet, this is where God chooses to move. It's a reminder that revival doesn't begin with energy or excitement; it begins in the dust, where things feel broken beyond repair. We explored how revival starts when God's people recognize their desperate need for Him, cry out for the Spirit to move, and embrace their calling to greater witness in their community Support the show

Easter is not just the celebration of a moment in history—it's an invitation to a way of life. As we continue in the wake of Resurrection Sunday, we're reminded that the cross and empty tomb aren't just about what Jesus did for us individually but about what He is doing in us together. We are called to be a cruciform community—a people shaped by the self-giving, burden-bearing, resurrection life of Christ. The cross invites us into a life of humility, sacrificial love, and deep community where we carry each other's burdens and become vessels of God's love for one another.Support the show

This past Sunday, we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus—the most pivotal day in human history. Yet, beyond the tradition, the outfits, and the joy of spring, we were reminded that Easter is not just an event to observe, but a way of life to enter into.We explored how many of us, like Mary at the tomb, are walking through life expecting death rather than resurrection. We're used to graves, disappointment, and survival—not freedom, not restoration. But Jesus calls us by name, even now, to rise with Him—to bring our brokenness, our hopelessness, our losses to the One who still brings life out of death.Support the show

This past Sunday, we reflected on Jesus' entry into Jerusalem—an event that looked like a royal parade but unfolded with unexpected humility. Rather than arriving on a warhorse with banners and speeches, Jesus rode on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and redefining kingship. While the disciples wrestled with misunderstandings and the crowds shouted political hopes, Jesus remained focused on a kingdom that looked nothing like the ones of this world. His was a kingdom of peace, humility, and ultimately sacrificial love.Support the show

This past Sunday, we reflected on walking in the light and what it means to live as children of God in the midst of a dark world. Scripture reminds us that, as believers, we've been called out of darkness into light, not just for our own transformation, but to reflect God's light to others. Living in the light requires more than just belief; it calls for right behavior and right relationships, rooted in love and justice. As we journey through Lent, we are invited to examine our lives and walk faithfully, embracing the new identity that Christ has given us and sharing His light with the world.Support the show

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This past Sunday, we explored the cost of discipleship and Jesus' call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. Scripture shows that Jesus didn't lead with promises of blessing but with the reality that following Him requires full surrender. Like the rich young ruler, we often struggle to let go of the things that compete for our devotion, whether wealth, comfort, or control. But Jesus calls us to release these lesser loves, not to burden us, but to free us for a deeper life with Him. True discipleship isn't about loss—it's about discovering the fullness of life that can only be found in Christ.Support the show

This past Sunday, we began the season of Lent by exploring Jesus' temptation in the wilderness and how it reveals the struggle of the human heart. Scripture shows that Satan tempted Jesus with comfort, control, and power—offering things He already possessed—to distract Him from total dependence on God. In the same way, we often cling to security, overconsume, and chase success, forgetting that in Christ, we already have everything we need. Jesus' response to temptation wasn't just about self-discipline; it was a radical reordering of life, clearing the way for true generosity and trust in God's provision. Support the show

This past Sunday, we examined God's generosity and how it shapes our approach to giving. Scripture reveals that everything we have belongs to God, and our giving should flow from an awareness of His abundant provision. Rather than being driven by obligation or self-righteousness, true generosity is an act of stewardship and trust in God's care. Though our culture often promotes scarcity and self-sufficiency, Jesus invites us to live with an abundance mindset, recognizing that God faithfully provides. When we embrace biblical stewardship, we reflect God's character, strengthen the church, and participate in His kingdom work with joy and gratitude.Support the show

This past Sunday, we explored what it means to give together as followers of Christ. Scripture teaches that generosity is not about obligation but a joyful response to God's grace. Giving is an act of worship that deepens our faith, strengthens the church, and advances God's kingdom. While past abuses and cultural discomfort can make financial conversations difficult, Jesus calls us to give with gratitude, trust, and a willing heart. When we embrace biblical generosity, we push back against the world's values and experience the freedom and transformation that come from trusting God with our resources.Support the show

This past Sunday, we explored what it means to serve together as the body of Christ. Scripture teaches that each of us has been given unique gifts, not for our own benefit but to build up the church and bless the world. Serving is not just an occasional task—it's part of our spiritual DNA and a reflection of Christ's love. When we serve, we grow spiritually, strengthen unity in the church, and worship God with our whole lives. While challenges like consumerism and burnout can distort our view of service, Jesus calls us to serve out of love, not obligation. As we embrace this calling, we experience deeper transformation and become a powerful witness to the world.Support the show

This past Sunday, we explored what it means to live in Christian Community as modeled by the early church in Acts 2:42-47. Following Jesus is not just about personal faith—it calls us into deep relationships with one another. The early believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and generosity, living as a unified body. In the same way, we are called to live together, serve together, and give together. Though modern challenges like busyness, individualism, and past hurts can make deep community difficult, Scripture reminds us that we are formed through relationships. As we commit to truly knowing and loving one another, we reflect God's design and become a witness to the world.Support the show

This past Sunday, we explored what it means to “Do What Jesus Did” as the natural outflow of our apprenticeship to Him. Following Jesus is not merely about being with Him or becoming like Him—it compels us to act. As we spend time in His presence, our eyes are opened to the brokenness around us, and His love moves us to respond. Anchored in Micah 6:8, we see that Jesus embodied justice, mercy, and humility, calling us to do the same. He confronted injustice, extended mercy to the marginalized, and humbly submitted to the Father's will—even to the point of the cross. True discipleship means stepping beyond comfort to live out His mission, empowered by His Spirit.Support the show

This past Sunday, we explored what it means to “Become Like Jesus” as part of our apprenticeship journey. Spiritual formation, the process of being transformed into Christlikeness, begins when we turn to Jesus and allow the Spirit to work in our lives. While we are all being spiritually formed by the stories we believe and the influences we embrace, true transformation happens through a willingness to surrender and create space for God's grace. By embracing the tension of grace and effort, we open ourselves to the Spirit's work, shaping us in ever-increasing glory. As apprentices, we are invited to examine what is forming us, replace deforming habits, and faithfully walk with Jesus as he renews and restores us.Support the show

This past Sunday, we explored what it means to “See Jesus Rightly” as part of our apprenticeship journey. By understanding Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Anointed One, and the Son of God, we gain a clear vision of his mission, identity, and divine nature. Seeing Jesus rightly transforms our desires, drawing us closer to him, and invites us to abide in his presence, where we find grace and renewal. As we respond to his call, we embrace a new identity rooted in his love, no longer defined by our past or achievements. This clarity and connection empower us to live as apprentices, ready to follow Jesus wherever he leads.Support the show

This past Sunday, we continued our series on apprenticeship with a focus on "Being with Jesus." Jesus invites us into a rest beyond relaxation or comfort, but a rest that refreshes our souls and equips us for the battles of life. Resting in Him allows us to grow in understanding who He is and who we are in light of His grace. This time with Jesus is not an escape but a preparation, renewing us for active service in His Kingdom. As we abide with Him, we are transformed into resilient, courageous disciples, ready to face the world with His peace and power.Support the show

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This past Sunday, we concluded our series on Communion by reflecting on its role in forming a community. Communion is not just a ritual but a powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice and His ongoing presence among us. It is a meal that transcends divisions, uniting believers from all walks of life in a shared identity through the grace of Jesus. As we come to the table, we are reminded of our eternal hope in Christ's return, and we proclaim the gospel together as one body. In this sacred act, we find both unity and healing, looking forward to the day when we will feast with Christ in His Kingdom.Support the show

This past Sunday, we continued our exploration of Communion, focusing on its role as the "centering sacrament" that shapes our faith and daily walk with Christ. Communion is not merely a ritual but a powerful means of experiencing God's grace, forgiveness, and love. By reflecting on the cross, we are reminded of Jesus' sacrifice, which offers us personal transformation and a call to live in the hope of His Kingdom. As we partake in this sacred meal, we proclaim the truth of Christ's death, affirming our union with Him and our place in His redemptive work. Ultimately, Communion centers us in the love of Christ, renewing our hearts and strengthening our community as we remember and experience all He has done for us.Support the show

This past Sunday, we began a new sermon series on Communion, emphasizing its profound significance in the believer's life and the church's history. Communion transcends mere ritual and serves as a vital link between our lives and the transformative power of the cross. By reflecting on the Last Supper, we recognized Communion as both a celebration of grace and a foretaste of the ultimate feast to come. We are encouraged to embrace this sacred meal, allowing it to center our faith and strengthen our community. Ultimately, Communion invites us to deepen our relationship with Christ, nourishing our souls with His presence and love.Support the show

This past Sunday, we concluded our sermon series on prayer with the theme of “Prayer as Invitation,” highlighting prayer as an active call to engage with God's will in the world. We explored how our prayers are powerful weapons in spiritual warfare, impacting both the unseen realm and our daily lives.  In prayer, we are invited to appeal to God's character and pursue the kingdom of God through the requests we bring to him. Ultimately, we are encouraged to persist in prayer, confidently declaring God's promises while aligning our hearts with His desires.Support the show

This past Sunday, we continued our sermon series on prayer, exploring the theme of  “Prayer as Intimacy,” emphasizing prayer as a vital means of fostering a close relationship with God. We examined how intimacy with God, like all forms of intimacy, requires vulnerability, which can lead to great transformation. As we grow in intimacy with God through prayer, we are assured of our status as God's children and given the confidence to step boldly into the identity and mission God has called us too.Support the show

This past Sunday, we explored the theme of “Prayer as Incense,” highlighting prayer as a profound act of worship that shapes our spiritual lives. Many of us approach prayer feeling vulnerable or afraid, but this exposure opens the door to transformation as we focus on God rather than ourselves. Because our prayers matter deeply to God, every plea and cry is cherished like sweet incense rising before His throne. As the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf, we can have a deep connection with the Father through prayer. Ultimately, we are invited to embrace prayer not just as a task but as a sacred communion, bringing our joys and struggles into the presence of a loving God.Support the show

This past Sunday, we kicked off our four-week series on prayer, beginning with the idea of prayer as “inheritance.” Prayer is a universal human inclination, yet many feel overwhelmed by fear and shame when approaching God. Because of what Christ has done for us, we are adopted as children of God and are granted the privilege of relationally connecting with him as Father. Christ's sacrifice provides us with direct access to His presence, encouraging us to approach Him boldly and without hesitation. Ultimately, we are called to embrace our inheritance, experiencing the fullness of God's love in our prayer lives.Support the show

This past Sunday, we continued our series “Intersections,” looking at John 17, which highlighted that Christians are not called to be physically or emotionally separate from the world but to be "sent" into it, just as Jesus was sent. This involves actively engaging with others and offering Christ's love rather than retreating from the world or creating subpar "Christian" alternatives. The sermon underscored that every interaction is providential and an opportunity to present Christ's transformative love. By living intentionally and embracing our new identity in Christ, we can fully participate in God's mission and offer genuine hope to those around us.Support the show

This past Sunday, we continued our “Intersections” series, exploring the importance of spiritual formation.  We explored the idea that just as physical growth requires active effort, so does our spiritual journey. When we come to Jesus at the eternal intersection, we are clothed by Chris and invited to shed the distortions of the world and embrace our true identity. This process involves actively putting to death the old self, allowing the Spirit to form us, and being part of a community where we practice and live out this transformation. True spiritual growth emerges when we engage with Christ's love and integrate it into our lives and relationships.Support the show

This past Sunday, we continued our series “Intersections” by focusing on the theme of identity. Because of the presence of sin in the world and our hearts, all of us are tempted to construct an identity for ourselves or to live with a distorted vision of who God has made us to be. Only when we come to faith in Christ at the eternal intersection and begin to be healed by Christ do we truly understand that our identity must be found in Christ alone.Support the Show.

This past Sunday, we began our new series entitled “Intersections,” exploring how God uses our unique encounters and experiences to bring value to the work of the kingdom. Through the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, we are given an example of how God can divinely weave together stories and moments for his purposes and the building up of the church. A life of engaging others with the gospel begins when our lives intersect with Christ, and we start the process of healing from sin, finding our identity fully in him, and being formed more and into his likeness. Support the Show.

This past Sunday, we concluded the first section of our series in the Book of Acts by exploring the result of Stephen's persecution: exponential growth in the church. While it may seem counterintuitive, in the book of Acts, we consistently observe opposition to the faith that leads to the advance of the gospel. As we reflect on the experience of the persecuted church in Scripture and throughout history, we're reminded that persecution can solidify the integrity of our faith, inspire those around us, and unite us with our brothers and sisters in Christ.Support the Show.

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